...presents West Side Story by Dave Grusin

For those of you who know Dave Grusin's skills in writing Film Scores and Pop Jazz Music, this one is no real surprise. For all the others: listen up to this man.With every single unbelievably tasty note on this CD, he proves that he is one of the best.

Propelled by a very enlarged Big Band containing various Woodwinds, French Horns and a big String Section, there are some of today's Top Jazz Musicians like Michael Brecker, (any CD he is not on??! :) ),Bill Evans,the always peaking Arturo Sandoval, John Patitucci and Lee Ritenour all playing their Asses off !!

Starting with a fiery "Prologue", coloured with spicy Latin Grooves provided by Grusin himself, John Patitucci on Bass, Dave Weckl on Drums and Sammy Figueroa on Percussion, it moves over to some hard swinging "Something's coming" and the "Jet Song" with fantastic Solos provided by Michael Brecker on Tenor Sax, Ronnie Cuber on BariSax, George Young on Piccolo(!!) and Grusin himself on Piano.

But what i consider to be the real masterpiece of this CD comes up right now. The unbelievable beauty of Grusin's Arrangement for "Maria", sung by Jonathan Butler always owerwhelms me when listening.

the Colours Grusin provides range from soft Woodwinds to goosebump-provoking muted Trumpets and really singing Saxes and the dynamic range of this Arrangement is incredible.( Please listen carefully !!).

Another wonderful one is a Duo Version of "I feel pretty", played by Grusin and the great Dave Valentin on Flute. Their Interplay is nothing less than gorgeous and I always enjoy listening to it.

There is much more fantastic Music captured on this CD.A gorgeous Version of "Tonight" with big and rich Strings and the Vocals of Gloria Estefan, and a burning Finale with "America" played in 7/4 !.

So please give a listen to this CD if you are into Big Band Music or Arranging or if you just love good Music as I do.